【Notice No.22】Important Reminders after Vaccination

Up to June 30th, 2021, given the low coverage of vaccination in Taiwan and the potential threat of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus internationally, no individual (including Foreigners or Taiwan citizens) should consider themselves completely safe after receiving vaccination and disregard personal and public health measures on a daily basis. To avoid accidental infection from the said virus, vaccinated individuals should always beware of taking proper public health measures thoroughly and regularly.

*Important reminder: Be aware that even after vaccination, it doesn't mean that individuals are completely under protection. Vaccinated individuals may still have the risk of acquiring the infection and possibly transmit it to others.
 

Q1. How long does it take for the vaccine to provide protection?

A1: After receiving the first dose of the vaccine, do not think that the vaccine will provide complete protection within two to three days. Conservatively speaking, it will take at least two weeks to develop protection after vaccination. Therefore, it is always important to pay attention to your health conditions (e.g., body temperature, COVID-19 relevant symptoms) after vaccination. To avoid accidental infection from the virus, vaccinated individuals should beware of taking proper public health measures thoroughly and regularly.

Q2: Is it necessary to wear a mask after vaccination?

A2: Based on the research, the COVID-19 vaccine only provides the protection to reduce the chances of severe illnesses and deaths after infection, but it does not completely get rid of secondary infection. Therefore, in order to protect the safety of public and yourself, public health measures including wearing a mask properly and constantly, washing hands thoroughly and regularly, and maintain social distancing are still strongly enforced.

Q3: Is there still a chance of spreading the disease if one had a vaccination?

A3: Base on the current research, a vaccinated individual but has a vaccine breakthrough infection has lower viral load compared to the non-vaccinated individuals. Thus, it may lower the risk of further transmission. However, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to prove that the vaccine can completely eliminate the chances of COVID-19 transmission from the vaccinated individuals. Especially, the chance can still be potentially possible when facing the new variant of COVID-19 virus, which is highly contagious with low viral load level.

Q4: What should I do if I feel unwell after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination?

A4: Theoretically, after 14 days of the vaccination, individuals should be able to develop immune protection and reduce the risks of severe illnesses and death. However, it cannot rule out the possibility of getting infected and further transmission of the virus to other people even after the vaccination. Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable after receiving the vaccine within 14 days or even after 2 weeks, please DO NOT enter the campus to work or to go to crowded areas. In addition, you should seek for professional advice from a doctor or medical treatments immediately. It is also important to wear a mask properly and constantly, wash hands thoroughly and regularly, and maintain social distancing. Also, please DO NOT share meals at home. Such measures can avoid further transmission of the COVID-19 virus to your family members, classmates, or colleagues.

Source: Dr. Chao-Chin Chang, a Distinguished Professor from the Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, NCHU
Translate by Office of International Affairs, NCHU